NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

By melinda Flynn

It takes a certain type of person to put the needs of an animal at the top of their priority list. That is exactly the person at the head of Pet ResQ Inc., Robyn Urman.

Urman, who began volunteering at the age of 18, started Pet ResQ Inc. after witnessing the devastation of pets and their humans during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

“I realized just how much I could help,” she said.

Not only did she realize how much she could help, she realized how much she felt the need to help with something that a lot of people don’t consider when they are looking at the remnants of a crisis. “No one is at fault when they must choose their child over their pet in the wake of a catastrophe, but that animal still deserves help,” she said.

That’s when Urman and her team at Pet ResQ. Inc. step in to do what they can to help.

Pet ResQ. Inc. not only shows up after a natural disaster, but in many other situations as well. For example, they also save animals from high-kill shelters and foster pets for women who are in shelters until they can be placed back with their families. Succinctly, if they’re called on for help, they show up to help. Currently, they do not have a physical building to house all the animals (though that is a goal for the future), so they rely on the kindness of volunteers to

open their homes as fosters. In fact, while it’s the love of one person that started Pet ResQ Inc., it’s the love of many that keep it going. Providing not only shelter, but also food and other necessities, including help with medical costs when feasible. Sometimes it’s not about finding the animal a new home, but just helping the current owner to be able to keep their beloved pet.

Pet ResQ Inc. is seeing firsthand the consequences of COVID for so many pet owners and their pets. It’s a sad reality, but pets are the first to be forgotten when life as we know it is falling apart around us, according to Urman. Again, this comes back to the kindhearted opening their homes to those animals in need.

Pet ResQ Inc. relies on foster homes for the animals but also ultimately hopes the animals will be adopted.

“Our goal is to make their next stop FUR-ever,” said Urman.

The application is extensive to make sure the animals are paired with their perfect family. And before the animal is ready to be adopted, they are evaluated thoroughly so Pet ResQ Inc. can place them in the best environment to thrive.

To do all the things that Pet ResQ Inc. does, takes love, sure, but it also takes money. Supplies are always needed. Food, medicine, vet care, even things as specific as wheelchairs and ramps for the animals. There’s also the cost of the dreaded insurance. Currently, Pet ResQ Inc. is seeking the donation of a vehicle to help when transporting animals or supplies as their current vehicle is on its last leg and any money that comes into Pet ResQ Inc. gets put directly into helping the animals.

If you’re interested in helping Pet ResQ Inc., visit www.petresqinc.org.

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